How to support weight gain in a newborn baby?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a mother of a newborn who is 45 days old. We changed many formula milks. There was no fussiness, nothing, just a minor digestion issue that resolved after passing motion. However, he is sleeping the entire day and not sleeping at night, and he is not gaining any weight.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

This is a normal occurrence and not because of the change in milk powder. Daytime sleep is fine. Nighttime playing is normal. Weight gain may be up and down; that will happen sometimes as the baby gets older. Increase feeding, for example, every two hours. Increase play. Increased activity can lead to energy loss. Do something to help the baby sleep at night as well. Could there be gas? Colic‑aiding drops sometimes help.

Birth weight gain of twenty to thirty grams per day is expected. Why was milk powder changed? Wash bottles carefully. Mix well and maintain proper sterilization of all feeding equipment. After feeding, ensure there is no burning sensation. If the mother is breastfeeding, vitamin D drops are beneficial. Sometimes, weight gain supplements may be used. Do not worry. This is normal.

Recurrences may happen at any time. If there is more powdered formula, compare it with breastfeeding. Feed every second hour. Watch for burning. Take care of your hands, feet, and head. If possible, use spoon feeding when bottle feeding. Administer vaccines at forty‑five days, zinc drops, colic‑aid drops, vitamin D drops, neopeptide drops, and perform stomach massage.

Encourage active movement of the stomach, limbs, and prone and supine positions. Change position frequently. Wait and observe. All of this is normal. If the problem persists, consult a nearby paediatrician.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.